Hull KR’s Matty Marsh says he’s overcome his horrific ACL injury and returned a stronger and more confident player for 2018.

The 22-year-old sustained the problem in December 2016, ruining Marsh’s Championship prospects. However, the former Young Player of the Year returned to action in late July to assist in KR’s promotion push.

With top-flight rugby back on the agenda, Marsh insists the time away from the game has enabled him to improve his mental and physical approach as the demands of Super League arrive once again.

In line to partner eight-time Grand Final winner Danny McGuire for next weekend’s season opener against Wakefield Trinity, the Academy graduate hopes his time on the treatment table is over and is eyeing a huge campaign back amongst the sport’s elite.

“My rehab got tough at some stages as you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I’m out there now and I feel a lot better,” Marsh, who returned with his Robins team-mates from their Spain training camp yesterday, told the Mail.

“I learned how tough it got. You’ve got to be resilient with this type of injury, James Donaldson will say the same, and you’ve got to be strong and keep a positive mood.

“It’s a bit different this year – I didn’t go on the warm-weather camp for example. I did play in a few matches towards the back end of the year but I wasn’t 100 per cent. I’ve done a full pre-season now and I feel very close to full fitness.

DELIGHTED TO BE BACK: Hull KR's Matty Marsh. (Image: Hull KR)

“I feel fitter and stronger than last year. I’ve got to do my best to get in the team now as there is a lot of competition with Magsy and Chris Atkin coming in. We’ve also got Maurice Blair too so I’ve got to try my hardest.”

Injuries continue to bite at Rovers with Joe Wardill (hips) the latest to succumb to a lengthy period of time away from the game, following Danny Addy’s ACL woes which were confirmed seven days ago.